Chris Christie, at a press conference in New Jersey yesterday, defended appointing to a judgeship a man who'd defended post-9/11 detainees.

The new judge, Sohail Mohammed, was sworn in as a state superior court judge on Tuesday, months after some conservatives spoke out against it.

"It's just crazy, and I'm tired of dealing with the crazies," he said. "It's just unnecessary to be accusing this guy of things just because of his religious background. I'm happy that he's willing to serve after all this baloney."

It's an interesting moment given the fresh wooing of Christie by some Republicans to run for president this cycle. It is unlikely to please the wing of the GOP that has a set litmus for judicial appointments, but is also in keeping with the brand the New Jersey governor has established.